2021 Volvo V60

While most automakers have given up on the station wagon in the face of insatiable SUV demand, the Volvo V60 is proof that it's still a viable body style available in several guises, including the standard gasoline V60 and the plug-in Recharge. Only a few competitors remain in the USA, and even those aren't direct rivals, including the likes of the Audi A4 allroad; but that hasn't stopped the Swedish wagon from pulling out all the stops to impress us. And impressed we are, even if the base T5 engine isn't all that powerful. Luckily, the T8 on the hybrid more than makes up for it with 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque. Both are frugal drivers with loads of passenger and cargo space. Of course, like any car from Volvo, the cabin is immaculately crafted and outfitted with all the tech you could ever want.

While it may be a premium brand, Volvo doesn't ask for the world to own one of its luxurious wagons. The price of the Volvo V60 in its base-model Momentum trim is only $40,950, while the R-Design and Inscription both share the same $46,400 tag. However, you will need to consider the benefits of the Recharge plug-in hybrid before pulling the trigger on the purchase, since the upgrade to electrified performance will cost you a hefty $67,300. Keep in mind that these prices are MSRP and do not include tax, registration, licensing, or destination fees. Volvo charges $995 for the latter.

Not every luxury automobile is concerned with being perceived as a sporty status symbol. Sometimes, just being an unequivocally comfortable cruiser is enough, and this is the philosophy behind the V60. Ride comfort is where it earns most of its points, thanks to a perfectly crafted suspension that absorbs imperfections with ease. Even mid-corner bumps don't do much to disrupt the wagon, though you probably shouldn't be taking turns at high speeds.

On the plus side, the steering is accurate, if a little too light to be fun. The steering does a pretty good job of letting you know what the wheels are doing. If you're confident in your skills, you can safely throw the hefty wagon into a corner and know that it will come out on the other side exactly where you expect it to. Those inclined to this sort of activity might enjoy the sporty aesthetic of the R-Design, which gets a slightly more athletic chassis. But no matter how hard you try, the Volvo will never be as fun to drive as some of its European rivals.

Since it gets access to a lot more power, the T8 Recharge does a much better job of satisfying the speed demon within. Thanks to some Polestar modifications, the PHEV is able to control its outputs to deliver a much more engaging driving experience. But if you want to cool things down a little, just switch from Pure to Comfort, and all that power is brought to heel, prioritizing smooth sailing over straight-line performance. And, if you need to deal with slippery roads, Constant ensures that the all-wheel drivetrain gets the right distribution of power to maintain its grip and poise.

As one of the few remaining wagons available for sale, the Volvo V60 already has our attention. But keeping it takes a lot more effort, and the Swedish automaker has definitely put in the work. The wagon shares the same DNA as every other vehicle from the brand, so common traits like exceptional quality, refined comfort, and peerless safety are all part and parcel. But adding all this to a station wagon body results in a luxurious family cruiser that is practical and more enjoyable to drive than a top-heavy crossover.

Unfortunately, you do have to fork out a lot more cash to get an all-wheel drivetrain, since this is reserved for the hybrid Recharge only, but if you live in a warm climate with well-maintained roads, this shouldn't deter you from the more affordable FWD models. Alternatively, you could consider the V60 Cross Country, reviewed separately. Similarly, the PHEV gets the better engine option, since the T5 on the standard V60 can feel a little underwhelming.

Nevertheless, these minor shortcomings do little to curb our enthusiasm for this delightful European wagon, especially when we compare it to local competitors like the Buick Regal TourX. There aren't many better ways to transport your family around in such luxury, unless you're willing to spend a whole lot more, and the Volvo V60 does it all while feeling like a lot more car than the asking price would suggest.

If you're happy with the T5 engine and front-wheel drivetrain, we'd suggest going for the top-tier Inscription trim. It doesn't cost all that much more than the base-level Momentum, and the upgrades to the features list are definitely worth the extra investment. These include extra lumbar support, a larger infotainment interface, navigation, and a superior 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Of course, there are some tantalizing add-ons available, too. The Advanced Package fills in some of the tech gaps to bring the V60 up to the same level as more expensive rivals by adding a head-up display and a 360-degree camera, and the $3,200 Bower and Wilkins sound system is a noticeable improvement over the Harman Kardon setup on the R-Design and Inscription. However, if you find yourself ticking every box in the packages and options sections, you may want to consider the Recharge. Aside from getting every single feature available to the V60 as standard, it also boasts a much more thrilling T8 engine and all-wheel-drive. However, it's super pricey at just under $70k. But, to be honest, the base-level Momentum isn't a bad deal at the price, especially now that more safety features have been made standard.

Essentially, the V90 is just a slightly larger version of the V60, adding ten inches in length and a few hundred pounds of extra weight. This doesn't make as much of an impact on interior dimensions as you may expect, though. Passenger space remains almost exactly the same, and the trunk is only slightly larger at 25.5 cubic feet. The larger wagon also gets the same base engine as the V60, which is even less impressive with more car to pull around. However, it also offers the T6 that used to be available to the smaller vehicle. This upgrade to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque makes quite a big difference, and that's not even mentioning the all-wheel drivetrain that comes included. Naturally, the larger car has a slightly more premium interior. Overall, the V90 is just a slightly better V60, but it costs quite a bit more, especially if you want the T6 powertrain. If you're going to spend that much, you may be better off with the V60 Recharge, since the larger Volvo doesn't have a T8 hybrid option.

Where Volvo aims to deliver a luxurious family station wagon (and succeeds), Subaru has instead targeted the more budget consumer market with the Outback. Starting at well below $30k, the Japanese wagon allows for a choice of two engine options and all-wheel-drive. However, the strongest powertrain is only marginally more capable than the Volvo's and the handling dynamics of the Outback can't match what the V60 offers. But, yet again, this isn't a fight Subaru tries to pick. Instead, it focuses on off-road prowess, which is hardly a surprise given the name. But this definitely isn't enough to sway the vote in its favor, since the Volvo also includes an unbeatable safety suite, and better mileage figures to go along with its premium interior and comfortable ride quality. If you can afford even the base Momentum, you'd be better off than with the top-tier Outback.